Martha Etheridge

Martha Joy Etheridge, 81, passed away at her Atlantic Beach home on Monday, June 26, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

Joy was born in Memphis, Tennessee on July 19, 1935. Joy was predeceased by her loving husband and soul mate of 59 years, James Robert “Bob” Etheridge. They were married on June 12, 1954 in Memphis, Tennessee.  Also surviving are her five children:  David K. Etheridge and wife, Saskia of Celo, North Carolina; R. Mark Etheridge and wife, Annabelle of Miami, Florida; Jay N. Etheridge of Tampa, Florida; P. Curt Etheridge and wife, Katherine, of Jacksonville, Florida; and Kimba G. Etheridge, also of Jacksonville, together with nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Joy attended Memphis State University.  She was a loving wife, homemaker and mother as her family moved about the country and to Canada as Bob’s career with Procter & Gamble advanced.  They finally settled in Jacksonville in 1970.  In the 1980’s, with her children grown, Joy purchased a women’s clothing store which she renamed Just Joy’s, operating the shop for almost a decade in Arlington. Her shop was a place for her many friends and customers to gather and socialize, and occasionally even purchase something.

Bob and Joy moved to Atlantic Beach in 1992, into a home she designed.  They had a close and loving group of friends who played golf together at Selva Marina Country Club for many years and enjoyed traveling and other social activities.  She loved golf, traveling the world and spending time with her family.  Most of all, she simply enjoyed being with Bob. They had a partnership of unparalleled love and respect.

The family will hold a private memorial at a later date.  If desired, donations may be made in Mrs. Etheridge’s name to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.  The family extends a special note of thanks and appreciation for the compassionate care provided by the Hospice staff and Joy’s caregivers in her final weeks, most especially her caregiver and companion of four years, Sebrina Collins.